cypripedium

American  

[sip-ruh-pee-dee-uhm] / ˌsɪp rəˈpi di əm /

noun

1. any orchid of the genus Cypripedium, comprising the lady's-slippers.

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cypripedium British  

/ ˌsɪprɪˈpiːdɪəm /

noun

1. any orchid of the genus Cypripedium, having large flowers with an inflated pouchlike lip See also lady's-slipper

2. any cultivated tropical orchid of the genus Paphiopedilum, having yellow, green, or brownish-purple waxy flowers

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Etymology

Origin of cypripedium

1765–75; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin Cypri ( a ) Venus + -pedi- -ped + -um neuter ending

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cypripedium

Some of these meadows are in great part occupied by Veratrumalba, which here grows rank and tall, with boat-shaped leaves thirteen inches long and twelve inches wide, ribbed like those of cypripedium.

From The Mountains of California by John Muir

The last nest of this bird I found was while in quest of the pink cypripedium.

From Bird Stories from Burroughs Sketches of Bird Life Taken from the Works of John Burroughs by Louis Agassiz Fuertes

Catching our bee before he has a chance to escape with his generous floral compliments, we unceremoniously introduce him into another cypripedium blossom, to which, if he were more obliging, he would naturally fly.

From My Studio Neighbors by William Hamilton Gibson

Since that time, many years ago, I have often sat long and patiently in the haunt of the cypripedium awaiting a natural demonstration of its cross-fertilization, but as yet no insect has rewarded my devotion.

From My Studio Neighbors by William Hamilton Gibson

Another attaches similar tokens to the tongues of butterflies, while the cypripedium speeds its parting guest with a sticking-plaster smeared all over its back.

From My Studio Neighbors by William Hamilton Gibson